With all due respect I don't think we agree on this. How is art only for its own sake? Not sure where you're getting that. The Americans was done for the Guggenheim Foundation. He's participated in major exhibitions at MoMA, SFMoMA, the National Gallery, etc… I agree he was a documentary photographer and on of the best. I'm not trying to ruin anything.
To me, "The Americans" is probably on of the most amazing photographic books I have. I gave another copy to a dear friend and heartily recommend it. "The Americans" is a joy to behold and an adventure to experience.
Another book in the category, is Jacob Holdt´s "American pictures" which i also think you should consider amongst the very important 20 century books (maybe you already know about it ;D)
Great intro to the man. Just in case you have not seen this, it is an award winning (and recent) 6 part BBC documentary about the history of photography, Frank features (amongst many others) in it.
"Robert Frank was a fine art photographer", please Ted, please, "The Americans has secured its place in the fine art world", please Ted. You're a good guy with engaging things to say, but Frank was a documentary photographer & one of the very best, lets not ruin that by trying to suggest he was out photographing what he saw for the sake of art, it was pure, the desire to 'show' people the reality of their own world and country. Art is only ever for its own sake, Frank was not about that at all.
